Exam Strategy
August 24, 2026 IBMytians TeamMYP Math - The Examiner's Handbook (Exam Traps Students Must Avoid)- Part 1
Discover common MYP Mathematics exam traps that cost students marks. Learn how to avoid mistakes with command terms, working, units, rounding, graphs, calculators and more.
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MYP Math - The Examiner's Handbook
IBmytians.com by The Mytians Group
Tips from the Subject Report · Notation · Command Terms · Investigations · Time Management · Full Coverage
CONTENTS — ALL TOPICS FROM THE SUBJECT REPORT
SEC 1Correct Notation
SEC 2Incorrect Notation — Errors to Avoid
SEC 3Command Term: Write Down
SEC 4Command Term: Calculate
SEC 5Command Term: Show That
SEC 6Testing General Rules
SEC 7Verifying General Rules
SEC 8Justifying General Rules
SEC 9Identifying Factors (Real-Life Questions)
SEC 10Justifying Accuracy (Real-Life Questions)
SEC 11Calculator Screen Capture Tool
SEC 12Time Management
Subject Report Advice: Correct Notation
Use the formatting tool and equation editor to write proper mathematical notation in all answers.
📐 Available Tools in the Exam Platform
The IB on-screen exam platform provides two key tools for writing correct notation:
- The Formatting Tool — use for superscripts (x²) and subscripts (Tn).
- The Equation Editor — use for complex expressions: fractions, roots, powers with brackets.
✅ Examples of Correct Notation — What IB Expects
Correct use of superscript for indices (Pythagoras)
a2 + b2 = c2
✓
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Use the formatting tool's superscript button to write indices properly. Never write a^2.
Correct use of equation editor — exponential rule
P = 1.5(2n)
✓
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Variable exponents like n must be written as superscripts using the equation editor.
Correct use of equation editor — compound exponent
P = 3 × 2(n − 1)
✓
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The full expression (n−1) must appear as a superscript. Use the equation editor.
Correct use of equation editor — square root
a = √(c2 − b2)
✓
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Square roots over whole expressions must use the equation editor so the bar covers the entire expression.
Correct use of equation editor — proper fraction
P = 32(2n)
✓
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Fractions must be written with a numerator over a denominator. Never write 3/2 inline.
📌 What Each Tool Is Used For
| Tool | Used For | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Formatting Tool — Superscript | Indices and powers | a², b², x², 2n |
| Formatting Tool — Subscript | Sequential terms and labels | Tn, Un, Pn |
| Equation Editor | Fractions, square roots, compound exponents, brackets | ⅟ , √(c²−b²) , 3×2(n−1) |
| IBmytians.com · The Mytians Group | ||
Subject Report Advice: Incorrect Notation — Errors Include
These five error types are explicitly listed in the IB subject report as notation errors that penalise students.
⚠️ The Five Notation Errors (Directly from the Subject Report)
- Use of * for multiply
- Use of / for divide (inline fraction)
- Use of ^ for indices / powers
- Use of x instead of n for general rules
- Unsimplified general rules
Error 1 — Inline fraction instead of proper fraction
Incorrect — 3/2 written as plain text ✗
Pn = 3/2(2n)
✗
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Writing 3/2 as plain text is an inline fraction error. It must be written as a proper stacked fraction.
Correct — proper fraction using equation editor ✓
P = 32(2n)
✓
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Proper fraction with numerator over denominator, written with the equation editor.
Error 2 — Unsimplified rule + x instead of n
Incorrect — uses x instead of n AND unsimplified ✗
T = 4xn − 3
✗
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Uses x instead of n (notation error) and writes 4xn as if x and n are both variables. Must be simplified to 4n.
Correct — simplified and uses n ✓
T = 4n − 3
✓
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Coefficient written directly before the variable n. Fully simplified.
Error 3 — Using * for multiply AND ^ for power AND unsimplified
Incorrect — * for ×, ^ for power, unsimplified ✗
P = 3*2^n-1
✗
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Three errors at once: * (not ×), ^ (not proper superscript), and the exponent n−1 is not in brackets/superscript.
Correct — equation editor used throughout ✓
P = 3 × 2(n − 1)
✓
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Proper × symbol, exponent (n−1) as superscript via equation editor.
Error 4 — Using ^ for indices instead of superscript
Incorrect — ^ used for powers ✗
a^2 + b^2 = c^2
✗
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^ is a keyboard shortcut, not accepted IB mathematical notation.
Correct — superscript tool used ✓
a2 + b2 = c2
✓
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Use the formatting tool's superscript button to produce proper indices.
Error 5 — Missing variable name (incomplete notation)
Incorrect — T is missing from the left side ✗
= 4n − 3
✗
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Writing only the right-hand side, without stating T =, is incomplete notation. Always include the variable.
Correct — full notation including variable name ✓
T = 4n − 3
✓
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Always include the variable name T = on the left side of the equation.
Error 6 — Using the wrong variable name (Un instead of T)
Incorrect — uses Un but question uses T ✗
Un = 4n − 3
✗
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The question uses T. Using Un without stating "let T = Un" is a notation error, even if the rule is correct.
Correct — uses variable from the question ✓
T = 4n − 3
✓
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Copy the variable name directly from the table or question. Here, T is specified.
Error 7 — Using x instead of n
Incorrect — x used instead of n ✗
T = 4x − 3
✗
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The variable must be n (as given in the table). Even though x is mathematically equivalent, IB penalises this error.
Correct — n used as specified in the table ✓
T = 4n − 3
✓
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Always copy the variable letter from the table. If the table says n, write n.
Error 8 — Unsimplified rule (should be T = 4n − 3)
Incorrect — rule not simplified ✗
T = 1 + 4(n − 1)
✗
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This is correct algebra but must be expanded and simplified. Leaving it unsimplified costs marks.
Correct — fully expanded and simplified ✓
T = 1 + 4n − 4
T = 4n − 3
✓
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Always expand brackets and collect like terms to give the fully simplified rule.
Summary — All Notation Errors at a Glance
| Error Type | Wrong ✗ | Correct ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Using * for multiply | 3*2^n | 3 × 2n (equation editor) |
| Using / for divide (inline fraction) | 3/2(2ⁿ) | 32(2n) — proper fraction |
| Using ^ for powers | a^2 | a² (superscript tool) |
| Using x instead of n | T = 4x − 3 | T = 4n − 3 |
| Unsimplified rule | T = 1 + 4(n−1) | T = 4n − 3 |
| Missing variable name | = 4n − 3 | T = 4n − 3 |
| Wrong variable name | Un = 4n − 3 | T = 4n − 3 (use T from the question) |
| IBmytians.com · The Mytians Group | ||
Subject Report Advice: Command Terms — "Write Down"
Examples of correct and incorrect application of the command term "Write down".
Official IB Definition of "Write Down": Obtain the answer(s), usually by extracting information. Little or no calculation is required. Working does not need to be shown.
📌 Example Question
Write down the value of P(A ∪ B).
Correct — answer only, no working needed ✓
P(A ∪ B) = 0.8
✓
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For "write down", the answer alone is sufficient. No working is required. Writing more wastes exam time.
Incorrect — too much working shown (time wasted) ✗
0.2 + P(A ∪ B) = 1
P(A ∪ B) = 1 − 0.2
P(A ∪ B) = 0.8
✗
IBmytians.com
Writing out full working for a "write down" question wastes precious exam time. The answer alone is all that is needed.
⏱ Time Management Note
"Write down" questions are designed to be answered quickly — the answer should be directly visible in the diagram, table, or context given. If you are doing multiple calculation steps for a "write down" question, you are likely over-complicating it.
Subject Report Advice: Command Terms — "Calculate"
For "calculate", all relevant working steps must be shown alongside the final answer.
Official IB Definition of "Calculate": Obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working.
📌 Example Question
Calculate the maximum number of tiers for a height of 6 metres.
Correct — all workings shown vertically ✓
6 = 1.1 + t(0.4)
6 − 1.1 = t(0.4)
4.9 = t(0.4)
t = 4.90.4
t = 12.25
∴ Maximum = 12 tiers
✓
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All relevant stages shown on separate lines. Each step follows logically from the previous. Final answer stated clearly.
Incorrect — answer only, no working shown ✗
12 tiers
✗
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Writing only the final answer for a "calculate" question will lose marks. All stages of working must be shown.
✅ What "Relevant Stages" Means
- Write the formula or equation you are using
- Substitute the known values into the formula on a new line
- Show all intermediate algebraic steps, each on its own line
- State the final numerical answer clearly, with units where required
- If rounding is needed, show the unrounded value on the previous line
Subject Report Advice: Command Terms — "Show That"
The answer is already printed in the question. You are marked on whether every step of the reasoning is visible.
Official IB Definition of "Show That": Obtain the required result (possibly using information given) without the formality of proof.
📌 Example Question
Show that the size of the angle HAB is 90°.
Correct — full reasoning shown line by line ✓
NHA = SAH = 60°
∵ alternate angles are equal
SAB = 180° − 150° = 30°
∵ angles on a straight line sum to 180°
HAB = SAH + SAB
HAB = 60° + 30°
HAB = 90° ✓
✓
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Every step is on its own line. Each intermediate angle is derived with a geometric reason stated. All markscheme bullet points are visible.
Incorrect — not enough reasoning shown ✗
HAB = SAH + SAB
= 60° + 30°
= 90°
✗
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The values 60° and 30° appear without explanation of where they came from. No geometric reasons are given. This loses marks even though the final answer is correct.
🔑 The Golden Rule for "Show That"
Because the answer is already printed in the question, the examiner marks your path, not your destination. Every bullet point in the markscheme must be separately visible on its own line. If you combine two steps into one line, you may lose that mark.
What to show in every "Show That" answer:
1Write the formula, theorem, or geometric rule you are applying.
2Substitute all known values clearly on a new line.
3Show each calculation step separately on its own line.
4State the geometric reason (in words or symbols) for each step.
5Arrive at the given answer and confirm it matches the value stated in the question.
Subject Report Advice: Test General Rules — Investigations
To correctly test a general rule: substitute values of n that were originally given in the table.
✅ The Rule for Testing
Use values of n that appear in the original table. For a table with stages 1–4, use any of n = 1, 2, 3, or 4. You must also confirm that your rule produces the same value as the table.
✅ Correct Testing Examples (n < 5)
Correct test — linear rule, n = 4 ✓
Testing rule for n = 4 (value from the table)
T = 4(4) − 3
T = 16 − 3
T = 13 This matches the value in the table
T = 13 when n = 4 in the table ✓
✓
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n = 4 is from the original table. Rule gives 13. Table shows 13. Match confirmed with statement.
Correct test — linear rule, n = 2 ✓
Testing for n = 2 (value from the table)
T = 4 × 2 − 3
T = 8 − 3
T = 5 This matches the value in the table
T = 5 when n = 2 in the table ✓
✓
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Correct test — geometric rule, n = 2 ✓
Testing for n = 2 (value from the table)
P = 1.5 × 22
P = 1.5 × 4
P = 6 This matches the value in the table
P = 6 when n = 2 in the table ✓
✓
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Correct test — exponential rule, n = 3 ✓
Testing for n = 3 (value from the table)
P = 3 × 2(3 − 1)
P = 3 × 22
P = 3 × 4 = 12 This matches the value in the table
P = 12 when n = 3 in the table ✓
✓
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❌ Incorrect Testing Examples (n > 4 — these are outside the table)
Incorrect test — n = 5 is NOT in the table ✗
n = 5
T = 4 × 5 − 3 = 17
T = 17 when n = 5 was NOT given in the table ✗
✗
IBmytians.com
n = 5 is beyond the original table. This is verifying (extending the pattern), not testing. Wrong approach for the "test" command.
Incorrect test — n = 6 is NOT in the table ✗
n = 6
T = 4(6) − 3 = 21
T = 21 when n = 6 was NOT given in the table ✗
✗
IBmytians.com
n = 6 is far beyond the table. Using it for "test" is incorrect.
📌 Test vs Verify — Critical Distinction
| Command Term | Values to Use | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Test | Values already IN the original table (n ≤ 4) | Substitute and confirm it matches the table value |
| Verify | Values NOT in the original table (n ≥ 5) | Predict, substitute, and confirm the extended value |
| IBmytians.com · The Mytians Group | ||
Subject Report Advice: Verify General Rules — Investigations
To correctly verify a general rule: substitute values of n that were NOT originally given in the table.
✅ The Rule for Verifying
Use values of n that extend beyond the original table. For a table with stages 1–4, use n = 5, 6, or higher. Extend the pattern manually to find the expected (Predicted) value, then confirm your rule produces the same result. You must state the match explicitly.
✅ Correct Verification Examples (n > 4)
Correct verification — linear rule, n = 6 ✓
Verifying for n = 6
T = 4(6) − 3
T = 24 − 3
T = 21 This matches the predicted value in the table
T = 21 when n = 6, which was not originally given in the table ✓
✓
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Correct verification — linear rule, n = 5 ✓
Verifying for n = 5
T = 4 × 5 − 3
T = 20 − 3
T = 17 This matches the predicted value in the table
T = 17 — same as the extended table value ✓
✓
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Correct verification — exponential rule, n = 5 ✓
Verifying for n = 5
P = 3 × 2(5 − 1)
P = 3 × 24
P = 3 × 16
P = 48 This matches the predicted value in the table
P = 48 — same as the extended table value ✓
✓
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Correct verification — geometric rule, n = 6 ✓
Verifying for n = 6
P = 1.5 × 26
P = 1.5 × 64
P = 96 This matches the predicted value in the table
P = 96 when n = 6 in the extended table ✓
✓
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❌ Incorrect Verification Example (uses table value — this is testing, not verifying)
Incorrect verification — n = 2 is already in the original table ✗
n = 2 (this IS in the original table)
T = 4 × 2 − 3 = 5
T = 5 when n = 2 in the table ✗
✗
IBmytians.com
n = 2 is in the original table. This is testing, not verifying. For "verify" you must use values beyond the table (n = 5, 6…).
Subject Report Advice: Justify General Rules — Investigations
To correctly justify a general rule: connect the general rule with the context of the problem.
✅ What "Justify" Means
Justification is NOT substituting numbers. It means explaining WHY the rule has the form it does — using geometric observations, the structure of the pattern, or algebraic derivation from component rules.
Correct — full rationale with geometric reasoning ✓
The length L doubles each stage.
∴ L = 2(n − 1)
(general rule for L has powers of 2)
It is an equilateral triangle, so P = 3L
∴ P = 3 × 2(n − 1)
✓
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Explains the geometric reason (equilateral triangle → ×3), identifies why powers of 2 appear (doubling each stage), and connects these to produce the rule.
Correct — alternative approach: builds from the sequence ✓
For the length L, the terms are 20, 21, 22, …
∴ general rule for L is L = 2(n − 1)
For an equilateral triangle:
P = L + L + L = 3L
∴ P = 3 × 2(n − 1)
✓
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Builds from the power pattern (2⁰, 2¹, 2²…), establishes L, then uses geometric property to derive P. Full marks.
Incorrect — rule not in terms of n (missing L = 2(n−1)) ✗
For an equilateral triangle:
P = L + L + L = 3L
✗
IBmytians.com
Shows why we multiply by 3, but never establishes what L is in terms of n. The rule for L = 2(n−1) is missing. Incomplete justification.
Incorrect — general rule for L is wrong ✗
The rule for L will have powers of 2.
L = 2n
∴ P = 3(2n)
✗
IBmytians.com
The rule for L is incorrect — should be 2(n−1), not 2n. A justification built on an incorrect sub-rule cannot earn full marks.
How to write a full justification:
1Observe the geometric or structural property of the pattern (e.g. "each stage doubles", "it is equilateral", "it is a square").
2Establish the sub-rule for each component separately (e.g. find the rule for L in terms of n first).
3Connect the components using the geometric relationship (e.g. P = 3L because it is an equilateral triangle).
4Substitute the sub-rule into the connection and simplify to give the final general rule in terms of n.
Subject Report Advice: Identifying Factors for Mathematics in Real-Life Questions
Identify factors from the important information provided in the question, either in the video or text.
✅ The Rule for Identifying Factors
Only use factors that are explicitly stated in the question — in the written text or in the video. Do not add your own assumptions.
✅ Correct Factors — These ARE provided in the question
Factor is provided in the video or text ✓
The height available
✓
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This constraint is explicitly stated in the question. It is a valid factor.
Factor is provided in the video or text ✓
The capacity of the theatre
✓
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Stated in the question context. Valid factor.
Factor is provided in the video or text ✓
Gaps that must be left for safety
✓
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Factor is provided in the video or text ✓
The number of seats and
sections in a row
✓
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❌ Incorrect Factors — These are NOT in the question
Not provided in the video or text ✗
Safety measures
✗
IBmytians.com
Too vague and not explicitly stated in the question.
Not provided in the video or text ✗
Leave room for comfort
✗
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Personal assumption not stated in the question.
Not provided in the video or text ✗
Leave space so that people
cannot touch the stage
✗
IBmytians.com
Not stated in the question. Invented factor — not accepted.
Not provided in the video or text ✗
Seats should be comfortable
✗
IBmytians.com
General assumption, not a constraint from the question.
Subject Report Advice: Justifying Accuracy for Mathematics in Real-Life Questions
Refer to your calculations and how these have been affected by the context of the question.
✅ What a Good Accuracy Justification Must Include
- A reference to a specific constraint from the question (e.g. "cannot have half a seat")
- Explanation of how your calculation was affected (e.g. "rounded down to the nearest whole number")
- A statement of how you maximised or optimised within the constraints
✅ Correct Accuracy Justifications
Correct — refers to how space was best used ✓
The whole space cannot be used
because of the constraints,
but I fit the maximum number
of seats within the constraints.
✓
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References the constraints AND explains that maximum seats were achieved within them.
Correct — refers to how values were rounded ✓
Each time the values are rounded
down to the nearest whole number
because you cannot have half a seat
or less than six seats in a section.
✓
IBmytians.com
States the rounding decision AND connects it to the real-life constraint.
Correct — refers to how blocks were optimised ✓
In order to meet the constraints
and fit the maximum number of people,
I had to use different block sizes.
✓
IBmytians.com
References the constraint (fitting maximum people) and explains the decision made (different block sizes).
❌ Incorrect Accuracy Justifications — Too Vague
Does not refer to calculations ✗
I left room for bags
✗
IBmytians.com
Not in the question. No calculation reference.
Too vague — no explanation of how ✗
I rounded values
✗
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Doesn't say which values, why, or how the context required rounding.
No reference to decisions made ✗
I used all the seats available
✗
IBmytians.com
Doesn't reference constraints, rounding, or specific decisions about space.
Subject Report Advice: Use of Calculator Capture
Save time with the calculator screen capture tool. Use the calculator to show your method.
📌 How to Use the Calculator Screen Capture Tool
In the IB on-screen exam platform, complete your working on the built-in calculator and then paste a screenshot of the calculator display directly into the response box by clicking the screen capture icon in the toolbar. This saves significant time compared to retyping calculations.
⚠️ Important — Calculator Character Limit
The calculator has a character limit. If you exceed it, enter calculations in multiple steps and use the ANS button to carry over the result from the previous step. This saves characters and avoids re-entry errors.
Working done on calculator → pasted = TIME SAVED ✓
12(4.7 + 4.7) × 3.9 = 18.33
[calculator screen pasted — working and answer shown]
✓
IBmytians.com
Full precision retained. Working and answer shown in one step via calculator paste.
Working retyped in response box = TIME WASTED ✗
12(4.7 + 4.7) × 3.9 = 18.3
[calculator paste NOT used — retyped manually]
✗
IBmytians.com
Retyping wastes time and risks notation errors and premature rounding (18.3 vs 18.33).
Multi-step — calculator paste ✓
5(4) − 3 = 17
6(4) − 3 = 21
[calculator screen pasted]
✓
IBmytians.com
Same working retyped with notation errors ✗
5x4 − 3 = 17
6x4 − 3 = 21
✗
IBmytians.com
Uses x for multiply (notation error) and wastes time retyping.
Pythagoras — full precision via calculator paste ✓
1002 + 2502 = 72500
√72500 = 269.2582404
[calculator screen pasted — full precision shown]
✓
IBmytians.com
Retyped with premature rounding ✗
1002 + 2502 = 72500
√72500 = 269.258
✗
IBmytians.com
Rounded to 3 d.p. prematurely (269.258 instead of 269.2582404). Could cause errors in subsequent steps.
Trigonometry — calculator paste with full precision ✓
cos(30°) × 5 = 4.330127019
4.330127019 × 2 = 8.660254038
[ANS button used to chain — screen pasted]
✓
IBmytians.com
Retyped with rounding error carried forward ✗
5cos30° = 4.33
2 × 4.33 = 8.66
✗
IBmytians.com
Rounded 4.330127019 → 4.33, then the rounding error propagated to 8.66 instead of 8.660254038. Could cost a mark.
Pythagoras with rounding at final step ✓
100 + 25 = 125
√125 = 11.18033989
AF = 11.2 (rounded)
[calculator screen pasted — rounded only at last step]
✓
IBmytians.com
Rounded too early — loses precision ✗
100 + 25 = 125
√125 = 11.18
✗
IBmytians.com
Rounded at an intermediate step. If this value is used in further calculations, the rounding error will propagate.
🔗 Additional Resources
- Video — using the on-screen calculator:
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/ONfzbkPhXPoAO53s#content=UIePiYGEKZtypT - Video — equation editor and shortcut keys:
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/ONfzbkPhXPoAO53s#content=eStl9j4z8Wfu6l - Desmos on-screen calculator + Equation editor: Available via the on-screen exam platform — ask your MYP coordinator.
- Practice platform: Ask your MYP coordinator for the familiarization package and the digital version of the May 2022 examination.
Time Management
The IB MYP exam gives you approximately 1.2 minutes per available mark. Use these strategies to manage your time effectively.
🔖
Use the bookmark function to identify questions you need to return to.📸
Use the calculator screen capture tool to save time showing working.⏱
You have approximately 1.2 minutes per mark. Budget your time question by question.↩
Avoid spending too long on difficult questions. Bookmark and return if time allows.🔢
Multiple parts assess different topics. Always try every part — even if an earlier part was difficult.🔁
Use the ANS button on the calculator to carry over results and save re-entry time.⌨️ Keyboard Shortcut Keys — Save Time
Use these shortcut keys to copy, undo and paste important information:
Ctrl / Cmd + CCopy
Ctrl / Cmd + ZUndo
Ctrl / Cmd + VPaste
💡 Always Try Each Part
Multiple parts of a question assess different topics. If you cannot do part (a), you may still be able to do parts (b), (c), and (d). Always attempt every part — even a partially correct attempt is better than leaving it blank. Always try each part.
Summary — Time-Saving Strategies
| Strategy | Benefit | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Calculator screen capture | No retyping needed | Paste working directly from calculator into response box |
| Bookmark function | Don't lose time on one question | Flag difficult questions and return if time remains |
| ANS button on calculator | Chains multi-step calculations | Uses previous answer automatically — saves re-entry |
| Keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+C/V/Z) | Faster than menus | Copy/paste repeated values or expressions |
| Know command terms | No wasted working | Answer only for "write down"; full stages for "calculate" |
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